EDGEPROP (SINGAPORE) - This is the sixth edition of our awards and the seventh year since EdgeProp was founded. We started Edge- Prop with a simple wish — to help people make better property decisions. The awards are an extension of that dream — helping homebuyers identify developers and their developments that are truly remarkable, and recognise projects which its residents are proud to call home.

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To do this and to do it well, we needed to establish a set of criteria that is transparent, quantifiable and can be judged. We needed industry experts from various relevant practices for our panel of judges, followed by a third-party knowledge partner to ensure the accuracy of its methodology and scoring. Here, I would like to thank KPMG Singapore for being our knowledge partner over the last six years. Last but certainly not least, this dream would not have been possible without the support of our industry friends and partners.

At times, we underestimated the challenges associated with organising such awards. For instance, in the first two years, we had a tough time convincing developers to submit. “Is submission really free? Why the form so long ah?” Next up is the logistical nightmare: How do we fit 12 to 14 site visits across the island into two days and not make everyone grumpy? (The trick is to have judges that are extremely understanding and give them enough energy to keep going). And our favourite challenge — answering the perennial question — “why we didn’t win ah?”

As we enter a new chapter, allow me to share key observations on how the real estate industry has evolved over the years and how our awards have adapted since. Last year, I spoke about the growing popularity of integrated developments. In fact, during our inaugural awards back in 2017, we had one integrated development — which was Bedok Residences. This year, we will have four winners, a trend which was accelerated by the pandemic and is likely to persist. For our awards this year, integrated developments will be judged independently from the rest of the residential-only developments to ensure each project (whether it is integrated or residential-only) is given the full attention and awareness they deserve.

The next big megatrend is the greater emphasis on sustainability in the built environment. As developers, builders and contractors embrace sustainability due to its increased significance and relevance, components such as Landscape Replacement Area, Green Plot Ratio and Green Mark Ratings have been included as part of the scoring. We believe these are not merely “green” stamps but an accurate reflection of what buyers want these days in terms of living in an aesthetically pleasant yet low carbon footprint environment.

To all the winners, congratulations on your out- standing accomplishments. Your pursuit of excellence in placemaking and communal building are the reasons real estate in Singapore is recognised internationally and continues to thrive.